Bimbisara was one of the greatest rulers of Magadha and the founder of the Haryanka Dynasty. He expanded his kingdom through military conquests and strategic marriages and played a significant role in the rise of Buddhism and Jainism.
Basic Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Bimbisara |
| Dynasty | Haryanka Dynasty |
| Ruled From | 544 BCE – 492 BCE (or 491 BCE) |
| Capital | Rajagriha (modern Rajgir, Bihar) |
| Successor | Ajatashatru |
| Religious Association | Patron of Buddhism and Jainism |
| Death | Killed by his son Ajatashatru (492 BCE) |
Early Life & Rule
- Bimbisara ascended the throne at the age of 15 and ruled for around 52 years.
- He was an ambitious ruler who expanded Magadha’s territory and made it the most powerful kingdom in North India.
- His capital was Rajagriha (Rajgir).
Military & Territorial Expansion
Bimbisara expanded Magadha’s boundaries through a mix of military conquests and diplomatic marriages.
1. Conquest of Anga (modern-day Bengal)
- He defeated Anga and made it part of Magadha.
- Appointed his son Ajatashatru as the governor of Anga.
2. Strategic Marriages
Bimbisara used marital alliances to strengthen Magadha:
- Kosala Princess (Mahakosala) → Sister of King Prasenjit of Kosala. This alliance gave him Kashi (Varanasi) as dowry.
- Lichchhavi Princess (Chellana) → Strengthened relations with the powerful Lichchhavi clan of Vaishali.
- Madra Princess (from Punjab region) → Enhanced Magadha’s influence in North India.
These alliances ensured political stability and territorial expansion without excessive warfare.
Relations with Buddhism & Jainism
Bimbisara supported both Buddhism and Jainism, making Magadha a center for religious growth.
1. Patron of Buddhism
- A contemporary of Gautama Buddha and one of his early royal followers.
- Met Buddha and became his patron.
- Gave Buddha the Bamboo Grove Monastery (Venuvana Vihar) in Rajgir.
2. Patron of Jainism
- Also patronized Lord Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism.
- Jain texts mention that Bimbisara and his wife were followers of Jainism.
Administration & Governance
- Established efficient administration and taxation policies.
- Strengthened Rajagriha as the capital of Magadha.
- Built forts and improved infrastructure.
Death & Succession
- Bimbisara was imprisoned and later killed by his own son Ajatashatru (492 BCE).
- Ajatashatru took over the throne and expanded Magadha further.
Significance of Bimbisara
- Laid the foundation for Magadha’s dominance in North India.
- Supported Buddhism & Jainism, influencing their spread.
- Established diplomatic alliances and military conquests that strengthened Magadha.
- His policies were continued by Ajatashatru, leading to Magadha’s further expansion.
Key Facts for Quick Revision
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Dynasty | Haryanka Dynasty |
| Ruled From | 544 BCE – 492 BCE |
| Capital | Rajagriha (Rajgir) |
| Major Conquest | Anga (modern Bengal) |
| Famous Alliances | Kosala, Lichchhavis, Madra |
| Religious Support | Buddhism (Buddha), Jainism (Mahavira) |
| Death | Killed by his son Ajatashatru (492 BCE) |
MCQs on Bimbisara
1. Which dynasty did Bimbisara belong to?
A) Maurya
B) Haryanka
C) Nanda
D) Shunga
Answer: B) Haryanka
2. What was the capital of Bimbisara’s kingdom?
A) Pataliputra
B) Rajagriha
C) Varanasi
D) Ujjain
Answer: B) Rajagriha
3. Bimbisara was a contemporary of which religious leader?
A) Ashoka
B) Gautama Buddha
C) Chandragupta Maurya
D) Harsha
Answer: B) Gautama Buddha
4. Which kingdom did Bimbisara annex through military conquest?
A) Kosala
B) Anga
C) Lichchhavi
D) Magadha
Answer: B) Anga
5. Who killed Bimbisara?
A) Mahapadma Nanda
B) Chandragupta Maurya
C) Ajatashatru
D) Ashoka
Answer: C) Ajatashatru
6. Which Buddhist monastery was gifted to Buddha by Bimbisara?
A) Nalanda
B) Vikramshila
C) Venuvana Vihar
D) Amaravati Stupa
Answer: C) Venuvana Vihar
7. What was the relationship between Bimbisara and Prasenjit of Kosala?
A) Brothers
B) Friends
C) Bimbisara married Prasenjit’s sister
D) Rivals
Answer: C) Bimbisara married Prasenjit’s sister
Subjective Questions on Bimbisara
Short Answer Questions (2-5 Marks)
- Who was Bimbisara, and which dynasty did he belong to?
- What were the major military conquests of Bimbisara?
- How did Bimbisara use marriage alliances to expand Magadha?
- What was Bimbisara’s role in the spread of Buddhism?
- How did Bimbisara die?
Long Answer Questions (8-15 Marks)
- Discuss the political and military achievements of Bimbisara.
- Explain the relationship between Bimbisara and Gautama Buddha.
- How did Bimbisara contribute to the expansion of Magadha?
- Describe the role of Bimbisara in promoting Buddhism and Jainism.
- How did Bimbisara’s policies lay the foundation for Magadha’s rise as a powerful empire?
These notes are important for UPSC, SSC, State PSCs, NDA, CDS, and other competitive exams covering Ancient Indian History.